Jefferson’s 49-yard interception-return touchdown late in the fourth quarter was the difference as Saskatchewan defeated the visiting Edmonton Eskimos 19-12 on Oct. 8.

He then deflected a pass (which was intercepted by Tobi Antigha) and registered a strip-sack of Travis Lulay (with Zack Evans recovering the fumble for a touchdown) on Oct. 27 in a 31-16 victory over the B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium.

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive end Willie Jefferson, shown celebrating a touchdown against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 8, will be a key player when the teams meet again Nov. 11 in the CFL’s West Division semi-final.John Woods /
The Canadian Press

That result secured a home playoff game for the Roughriders. The only remaining question pertained to whether they would finish first or second in the West.

For the Roughriders to receive top spot, they needed B.C. to defeat the visiting Calgary Stampeders on Saturday night.

It was a lot to ask, considering that Calgary had every incentive to win, whereas B.C. already knew that it would be crossing over into the East Division and meeting the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Nov. 11.

Sure enough, Calgary won a yawner, 26-9.

As a result, the Stampeders will enjoy their annual first-round bye, while the Roughriders prepare to face the Bombers in a clash of teams with disparate styles.

Winnipeg has an array of offensive weapons and a co-ordinator, Paul LaPolice, who is known for imaginative play calls.

For the Roughriders, offence seems to be an inconvenience. Fifteen of Saskatchewan’s 40 touchdowns were scored by the defence or special teams.

Although the CFL is reputedly an offensively oriented league, Saskatchewan’s defence generates most of the excitement and buzz.

The schemes of head coach/defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones present a puzzle for the most-experienced quarterbacks, and there is always the distinct possibility of a game-changing play.

The Bombers can attest to that.

On Sept. 8, Saskatchewan won 32-27 in Winnipeg despite failing to score an offensive touchdown.

Winnipeg was leading 10-0, and seemingly poised to fatten its lead, when Jefferson (who else?) intercepted Matt Nichols and jogged 97 yards to paydirt.

Later, Jefferson disrupted the timing of Nichols, whose short pass was intercepted by Sam Eguavoen and returned 103 yards for another defensive TD.

When the teams met again Oct. 13 at Investors Group Field, it was the Bombers’ turn to assert themselves defensively. Adam Bighill had three sacks to help Winnipeg blank Saskatchewan 31-0.

The Roughriders quickly rebounded, winning their final two regular-season games to finish with a 12-6 record.

Winnipeg (10-8) won its final five games that mattered before resting Nichols in a 33-24 loss to Edmonton on Saturday.

So the stage is set for an appetizing playoff collision between Saskatchewan and Winnipeg.

Kickoff is set for Remembrance Day at 3:30 p.m., at new Mosaic Stadium, where the Roughriders hope to reprise some old times.

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